First Time Listening to The Darkness! Vocal ANALYSIS of "I Believe In A Thing Called Love"

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thank you for such kind words! Made my day x

[@DavidWenzlick]

Came here after watching your vid. I'm smiling throughout the entire video. Love this song and your channel.

[@billnict1]

Legend.

[@carmelopai4833]

pls pls pls if u two can have a Tea Time interview!!!!

[@bananabanana8831]

Yeah Justin you two gotta do an interview .

[@kidnurse1970]

So excited that you saw her reaction, Justin! Amazing voice! I'm only a few years older than you, so I grew up listening to that song! Can't wait for her to hopefully interview you. Thanks for sharing your gift of music/vocals with us 🙏

[@Jenza82]

As many others I say get Justin on the channel. Dude's a global treasure! ❤

[@ReubenAotearoa.]

Dude managed to snag an interview with Beato, he’s next level now. Need more than a paltry 1.2 million subs to get him out of bed now! ;)

[@questionableabsanity]

@@ReubenAotearoa. I'm sure Justin would be thrilled to chat with Elizabeth... Be a good warm up for her before she gets to interview Robert Plant.

[@skarlottt]

Beato? When was that? Im gonna go check it out!

[@skarlottt]

@Questionable Absanity When is this happening? Robert plant? wear my brown pants

[@fifis677]

He does have a reaction channel so it should be easy enough.

[@Harambes_Homeboy]

The Darkness is criminally underrated as a rock band . Their current drummer is the son of the drummer from Queen 🤘

[@justinrivera8637]

Roger Taylor! That’s so awesome

[@ailblentyn]

“Serious” people were always frightened of acknowledging them lest the puncturing of pretentions rub off on them.

[@Joetime90]

Roger Taylor as a drummer needs his own vocal analysis if he hasn't had one done already.

[@KSE828]

That’s funny cause Justin Hawkins reminds me a lot of Freddie Mercury.

[@MarkCox21125150]

Agreed!

[@therockbiter8140]

I paid $5 for this to be my ringtone on my Nokia 5150. Back then I thought it was basically a spoof of bands from the 80's, It took me a decade to really appreciate just how much talent these guys had.

[@Chuckf66]

The 1970s glam-rock 80s hair band from the 00s we didn't know we needed & still don't fully deserve in the 2020s.

[@freeman7079]

Same

[@Elriuhilu]

I still think they were an affectionate parody, but that doesn't take away from their quality.

[@JohnMcCloskey-g9o]

Love your music critiquing ability

[@gilesm5716]

Good thing we have Steel Panther to fill that certain void

[@hannyfrost7662]

Justin Hawkins is one of the absolute best vocalists no one talks about. He totally should have been the next Freddie Mercury.

[@naimi22]

THIS

[@Shiek200]

My vote would have been Eric Nally when he was still doing things with Foxy Shazam's original lineup, their new stuff is still great but decidedly different from their classic-rock inspired origins which were very reminiscent of Queen.

[@hannyfrost7662]

@@Shiek200 Never heard of Foxy Shazam. Just listened to a few songs. Now I'm kicking myself. lol. You weren't kidding though. That's some Freddie Mercury energy right there.

[@rickclark7508]

Sounds great but to be the next Freddie Mercury he would have to have made a cosmic shift in pop music. Which he did not unfortunately. Sounds like he had the ability but it would have taken a whole ass band that just wasn't was

[@mitchelltrujillo6868]

The world wasn’t ready.

[@michellepetrillo2235]

You need to interview him on your channel! He calls himself a guitar player first, then a singer. He reacts to music on his own channel and really breaks down the music portions. And he is HILARIOUS! And his accent is simply lovely… I could listen to him read a cook book all day, just to hear him! 😀❤️🥰

[@flyingardilla143]

Exactly! I was thinking phone book initially, but cookbook would be better.

[@michellepetrillo2235]

@@flyingardilla143 Well to be fair, I was going to say the phone book, but I haven’t gotten one in YEARS and the younger kids probably don’t even know what one is- like cursive writing- it’s not a part of their generation… 🤣🤣🤣

[@adampetten5349]

Wasn't there a guy who did a little cameo on that Rockstar movie who started as a guitar teacher. Became a pretty fair singer😂 From the same era with a pretty stratospheric range like the inimitable Hawkins.

[@michellepetrillo2235]

@@adampetten5349 yes, that was Myles Kennedy, currently lead singer of Alter Bridge, lead singer of Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, and a solo artist as well with two solo albums under his belt. Fun fact: Myles was the only one in the movie Rock Star who did his own vocals- so yes, that was him hitting that amazing high note. And he can hit those high notes live as well. Please look up Words Darker Than Their Wings Live at Royal Albert Hall- I get chills on top of chills even though I’ve heard it a hundred times. I’ve also seen Alter Bridge in concert 7 times…. Myles is also my future husband, but neither he nor his wife know it yet… 🤣🥰

[@adampetten5349]

@@michellepetrillo2235 Glad your kidding...or a certain Ronnie James Dio song with Rainbow about a 'devoted' female fan comes to mind. 'They all laugh, but not me, cause I see'😂

[@BradleyOcchipinti]

I love how she explains all the feeling that he's making her feel, as he sings the lyrics "I can't explain all the feelings that you're making me feel"

[@kensurrency2564]

excellent

[@hannahm.9881]

😂 indeed

[@Scorpion-Gamer82]

Having seen The Darkness live twice, I can definitely say, no autotune or voice aids of any kind. Justin Hawkins is a great vocalist, end of. Standing in front of the stage is the only way to experience them live. Your ears will ring for a couple of hours after leaving the venue.

[@nicolelange2660]

I’m 6 days out and my ears are still ringing!! Amazing!

[@remedy9648]

Agree!

[@JVMultiProds]

I remember when these guys broke out in the early 2000s. Everyone ragged on them for being a "joke" band, but they really had the chops to rival many of the classic bands of the 70s and 80s. Cheers to a great (and hilarious) reaction, like always :)

[@Liquessen]

Nothing wrong with being funny! And even better if they're actually good at what they do!

[@cupiderstunt]

They were such fun!

[@death-by-ego]

I dont remember the joke band part. I remember people taking them as a tongue and cheek homage to those 70s and 80s bands like Queen

[@JVMultiProds]

@@death-by-ego not where I'm from 😂 most people I knew hated them because they were too ... glam. I guess I should have specified.

[@BrokenWingman]

Some of the best musicians are the goofiest fuckin' people

[@chrisggoodwin777]

One of my buddies sang this song at karaoke and came within about 99% of nailing all the high notes. To say I was impressed is a colossal understatement.

[@matthewarms3786]

I got a written "coaching" when i was working at Target when Permission to Land hit, this vid was part of the demo rotation on the TVs in the electronics section and was really bored one weekday afternoon and jumped on the PA system and rubbed some funk on my Hawkins impersonation (I'm a counter tenor and live in the 4th and bottom third of the 5th octave, especially back then when I was in college and practicing daily). Our manager was less than enthused, though I did get a round of applause from the front line cashiers :) I still love busting this out at karaoke nights, along with Eagle Fly Free (Kiske's vocal melody) by Helloween, and recently I have added Oceandeep by Beast In Black to the repertoire.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

@@matthewarms3786 that's awesome! Best reason to get written up lol. I sing in a much lower register; I'd guess baritone with some lower tenor register, and some bass if I push it.

[@wiredjerk]

Oh yeah, this one is definitely on the karaoke playlist. I’m pretty sure anybody who’s ever listen to it more than once, and watch the video tried to sing this song karaoke. Hell I wouldn’t be surprised if some places that had both pub crawl on karaoke night don’t have someone come in with the exact costumes. 😂

[@mmmCrunchy]

I used to destroy my voice on drives from out of town with The Darkness and Scissor Sisters. I can hit the notes, but I don't have the conditioning to do so without some damage.

[@MrHrannsi]

@@matthewarms3786 If you really can pull this off, here is a song for you, "Take hold of the flame" by Queensryche, good luck mate .

[@johnjohn37371]

Justin is brilliant...he recently did a two hour interview with Rick Beato on his own channel and it was enthralling. His voice is fantastic and it matches his YT content...one of my favorite people...

[@MitchJohnson0110]

Love Rick Beato! Great channel

[@skarlottt]

Im watching that

[@skarlottt]

🧟🦀🦑🦑🦑🦑🦑🦑

[@billcoley4426]

Random aside: a Rick Beato/TCV crossover would be divine!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I really respect Rick and love his content, so I'll have to watch this interview!!!

[@OfficialMyxomatosis]

Elizabeth, *I HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU SO HAPPY WITH A VOCALIST BEFORE! YAAAASSSS!* _Your joy and constant stopping to smile in awe made my life so much better!_ *Thank you so much.*

[@Byhythloh]

I haven't listened to this song in so many years. I forgot what an absolute banger it is.

[@CoachStevenReeder]

Why the bathtub? Why the salami? This is actually the SECOND video for the song. There's a previous lower-budget video that originally premiered in the UK. This second video was created to break larger markets, with references to props in the original video. Thank you for succumbing to The Darkness!! ❤❤

[@CthulhuSaves]

And don't forget the unreleased sequel that picks up immediately after this video and continues the "story". Low quality recordings can be found here on KZbin.

[@javahead2000]

Bathtub..I think he's waking up from cryo-sleep, and the ice melted to water cause..err, he's hot?

[@finding7]

I’ve had this song stuck in my head for 20 years. Here’s to 20 more!

[@janacabenson8503]

YES

[@sarahbee6881]

😂🎉

[@num1Jaysta]

Seriously same here.

[@jadziamerryweather77888]

Same!

[@rahfitah8019]

Saaaame!!

[@MrDMF567]

The Darkness are, by far, the greatest live show I’ve ever seen. They are ELECTRIC. Rock super hard, put on a great show, are hilarious. Incredible band.

[@lovejones72]

Same. Saw them at the Vic in Chicago in their heyday. Opened with Black Shuck. Blew the doors out.

[@nicolelange2660]

COMPLETELY agree!! That’s exactly how I describe them…ELECTRIC!

[@HellBatDC]

Justin doesn't only have a great voice, he's got a great ear. When he is reacting to music he's always grabbing a guitar and he has the chord progressions figured out in seconds.

[@DaP84]

Most musicians have relative pitch like that

[@spoofmusic1]

@@DaP84 no, no they don’t

[@olavjorvik94]

@@spoofmusic1 yes they do. I play in my couch, and I suck, but even I can play along with most songs first time. It’s really nothing special

[@spoofmusic1]

@@olavjorvik94 not many people have perfect pitch, just a shame that you’re wasting your gift.

[@olavjorvik94]

@@spoofmusic1 are we talking about relative pitch here (as is what you first answered to) or perfect pitch? I don’t have that. Justin don’t have that. We’re talking relative pitch here, as far as I can remember, and I read the comment 10 minutes ago. Not that hard to remember.

[@famijher]

So glad The Darkness is getting attention again. They're a great group, and deserved more love from America. I think the problem with the US at the time was that too many folks were taking the music too seriously, at the time. The whole point of The Darkness, is that they get the Joke, and you should, too. I was also very happy when I saw they had released a new album, last year, called Motorheart. They released a few videos, with lyrics for it, on their channel.

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

Here in England I was lucky to be able to appreciate all directions of the modern rock music of the time as a child. I imagine in American it was more focused on the "Nu-Metal" scene of the time, which I did enjoy too, bands like Linkin Park, Korn, the pop-punk bands like Sum 41/Greenday etc...

[@donkeysaurusrex7881]

It was always a great song.

[@frankenfurter58]

Don't blame America. It's the music industry calling the shots. 🙂

[@kristineteall368]

I’m happy to know they are currently working on a new album!

[@nathanbraun2067]

no, we got the joke. it was funny for a few weeks then we moved on to better music

[@garycoates4987]

You have to have a teatime with him,, his channel "Justin Hawkins rides again" is great! He's got such a great sense of humor

[@stenbak88]

Your expressions and attitude are pure gold. It’s as if I’m listening to one of my favorite songs for the first time all over again

[@TomWebbFilms]

I saw them live 20 years ago when this album came out. They were amazing and Justin sang like that for 90 minutes with no trouble at all. I saw them again just over a week ago and if anything he sounds even better now! He may be the most complete rock front man ever, he has the voice, guitar skills and amazing stage presence and audience interaction. I really hope you can interview him as he is a lovely guy too!

[@garykidson4489]

I saw them 20 years ago too, the whole night was amazing!

[@NoName-ql1wk]

Yes he is fantastic.

[@twenty3enigma]

The perfect LIVE video of this to check out would be their appearance on Later with Jools Holland (on the BBC) and that was about 20 years ago. Though they've had many tours since, and still are sounding great in 2022.

[@mr.logicpants2835]

They are still great in concert. I have all 6 of their excellent albums. They rock!.

[@NinStardust]

@@mr.logicpants2835 They have 7! Motorheart is their latest, released at the end of 2021. HIGHLY recommend it! They’re currently working on a new one too! 🥰

[@robbienancejr988]

It's impossible not to appreciate this song.

[@spiral9088]

In the era when this song came out, they played it before the lights went down at almost every metal show. Hearing thousands of Lamb of God/Slayer/GWAR/Black Dahlia Murder/Cannibal Corpse fans belt it out at the top of their lungs is one of my favourite memories of all time!

[@feral_orc]

bring back more feel good rock, we all appreciate a happy headbang

[@gregorybower2759]

Imagine several dozen men, sitting in a tent in the middle of the desert of a foreign land at 2 in the morning and just 1 makes the comment "I believe" and then suddenly everyone breaks out into song for a moment. Yes this happened, yes the Colonel had a shit fit, but it was worth with it.

[@chasingturtles7769]

Before a Killswitch Engage concert I started singing loudly, and very drunkenly, Biz Markie. OH BABY YOU. YOU GOT WHAT I NEED. Everyone, Everyone started singing along. It was great hearing it and knowing that I started it. What a great memory, thanks for reminding me of it. oh, also from that concert I remember seeing someone upset because they weren't allowed to bring their giant snake into the concert with them hahaha

[@twitch_steed707]

Just last year I saw GWAR and Nekrogoblikon and between bands they played "Sweet Caroline." Imagine a small venue packed with metal heads belting out the chorus at the top of their lungs. A core memory for sure.

[@gregorybower2759]

@Twitch_Steed that is what metalheads do, all those what people vs what they are of us being giant softies really ain't that far off.

[@shaRkMP]

The live Darkness shows blew my mind. He changes his jumpsuits half a dozen times & rode the shoulders of the venue’s security through the crowd whilst singing. 😍

[@Pushing_Pixels]

That sounds like a great show. Definitely worth the ticket price.

[@wiltchamberlain9920]

"Childlike glee." That's how I describe your face when you hear so many of these singers. Just... you're so damn excited to hear them and it's *awesome*. It makes me smile as well each time you go back and do a little jump and smile when something else catches your attention. I absolutely adore it. Keep being awesome.

[@Ndihrkop]

I agree. She gets genuinely excited and even though I don't know what she's talking about I get excited for her. I always say her face reminds me of a Disney character the way she gets excited.

[@faithismespeaks6848]

@@Ndihrkop , I agree, she has cute teeth with sort of little fangs it is adorable, I want to see her reaction to "barbarian". Don't know about her being a Disney character, If Disney perverted her she would lose that cuteness we all love.

[@Rystefn]

They also have the greatest Christmas song of all time. Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End). It's incredible.

[@writerinprogress]

Oh yeah! It was like he heard Freddie Mercury say "I'm going to make the most melodramatic, over-the-top Christmas song - behold 'Thank God It's Christmas!' And Justin just went "You're a legend, Freddie, but hold mah beer!"

[@daved2352]

They used to play that around christmas in the rock club i frequented as a teenager and we always used to sing "christmas time, don't touch my bell-end"

[@thehutch7728]

Pardon me, but Jon Lajoie’s The Best Christmas Song has already taken that award. 🤣🤣

[@giovannirotondo1097]

We want this!

[@Tibibt]

Don't let the bells end

[@joemarr3555]

the unrequited love of space kraken for spaceship is a universal theme that everyone can empathize with

[@00Anjie]

Aw! I ❤ Space Kraken. 😄

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

These guys did a great job. The glam aspect of 80s metal was always a bit tongue in cheek, and this song does great homage to those times, and makes us smile.

[@TheOnlyHawkeye666]

That's why I loved these guys and was so sad they didn't get very far. I'm a huge lover of glam rock and The Darkness are an amazing tribute to that era of rock

[@BD-yl5mh]

That’s why I always found it funny that they often got considered parody… it’s like, glam was almost a parody to begin with? They’re not even parodying it… they’re just doing it

[@jgsrhythm100]

Hugely influenced by 70's glam rockers far more than 80's check "The Sweet" - "Fox on The Run" (74) you'll see exactly what I mean.

[@14percentviking]

Nothing synthesised about that high harmony, just great layering of a phenomenal vocalist. Superb!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Couldn't agree more!

[@julianlawrence-ball2279]

What I love about the Darkness is that at first glance they seem like a piss take rock band. But what they are are a brilliant pastiche of 70s Glam Rock music played by first rate musicians with a killer vocalist in Justin who take their job very seriously. And he’s done a brilliant reaction to your reaction, so go check him out. Edit.. “fing is lazy English mainly southern I’m not sure the American accent lends itself to a lazy “th” so fing-thing, fink-think, fick-thick. And yes that’s a sausage, see Justin’s reaction to know why. Dan is Justin’s brother so that’s why you got them mixed up

[@saulstandoff8331]

And the you realize the Rufus is rogers from queens kid... lol.

[@stevenpetryk6985]

And that isn't Rufus, Rufus is their current drummer, thats Ed Graham

[@zayfardplays7742]

It wasn't a sausage. I was smoked cheese

[@ralphmuccilli4798]

You said it better than I did in my comment.

[@Coffeeology]

@@saulstandoff8331 HOLY SHIT WHAT???????

[@erikmcconnon2155]

It's super impressive that you were able to give such an informative analysis of his vocals while also processing the fever dream of a video for the first time

[@calebthomasralph]

I saw The Darkness ten years after this song was released and can attest (with everyone else here) that Justin performs this stuff just as well (if not better) live. He's also a wildly talented multi-instrumentalist. Very fun show.

[@markusparkus68]

His vocals are unbelievable live....he does transfer his vocal style superbly in concert.....please do check out live versions of this song...😁

[@maureenpilgrim4207]

I was just thinking about checking them out live, good to know it's available. After this video, it's cool watching the reactions.

[@camdenC34]

Casting my vote to try and get Justin on the channel, the dude is just the best!

[@actonman7291]

The Darkness are huge band and "Justin Hawkins ride again" channel is one of the best analysing all sort of songs with english wit.

[@psychosean77]

This was me and my wifes wedding song! 29 full of love and from England, today is our 1 year anniversary so this was a perfect video to breakdown to watch. Thank you!

[@Ophelia300]

I saw The Darkness sometime last year and Justin was messing around with the audience playing a sort of follow-the-leader game where he would sing and we'd have to sing it back, and he's honestly the only person I can think of to * truly * rival Freddie Mercury. He was incredible - absolutely belting out these vocal gymnastics and then carrying on the with concert. So talented! He also stopped everything at the beginning of this song and asked the audience very kindly (but also lightly scolded us) to put our phones down and just enjoy the music lol the whole venue really went crazy after that.

[@scottmclelland78]

i cant disagree the freddy ( with a lil jagger in the strut ) is the best description i can give

[@StevieMoore]

He did that when I saw him too!

[@kristineteall368]

I love it when he does his Mick Jagger impression, he does it a lot of his channel. You can really tell how much he’s influenced him. I agree with the Freddy reference too.

[@j_reneeandrews2095]

Now, you need to react to Justin Hawkins performing a Van Halen tribute with Dave Grohl, Wolfgang Van Halen, and Josh Freese from the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert! The performance from Wembley Stadium is the best in my personal opinion. It was the very first time they all performed together and right from when the first note kicks in, you can tell it’s magic! Definitely a must-watch!👌🏻

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Oooo I heard about this!

[@j_reneeandrews2095]

Also, if you were going to pick one song out of the two from that tribute to use for a reaction video, I’d go with “On Fire”. That one showcases his vocals the best.

[@Ravenstorm163]

Panam was also awesome

[@mbwahaha]

The best song in Taylor's tribute at Wembley was Justin singing Under Pressure, wih Queen and the Foo Fighters, i really really realy, really love it, its not perfect, but it was amazing. Even people that dont like justin said that he sang it really well. And im sure it ment a LOT to Justin, he has Queen's faces tatooed on his fingers XD.

[@peternolan5501]

I'm always endlessly impressed by how clear the lyrics are on this. The fact he can go so high and fast on some of the lines but "Just listen to the rhythm of my heart" and "We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down" are totally clear in every syllable is like witchcraft to me. I think with most vocalists that could even hit that height and speed it would become pleasant sounding musical noise. Which is still great. But to be able to make out every word like this, damn.

[@RhomanysRealm]

Definitely get him on the channel. He’s hilarious and his live vocals are incredible. He’s got a full 5 octave range which is more even than Freddy Mercury!

[@shindigga420]

That whole album is great. "Love on the rocks with no ice" is a straight banger.

[@MVZart]

My favorite one by them. :)

[@alexgreenwood404]

Its one of my all time favs

[@ianmccullough7294]

Absolutely. It's been the closer every time I've seen them. Total banger.

[@the.Aruarian]

I absolutely love Black Shuck and Stuck in a Rut, too. Gotta love the grittiness of those tracks. And let's not forget Bald on One Way Ticket To Hell... And Back.

[@jonathancornick5792]

@@the.Aruarian Bald is a great song.

[@LandPirate1]

Their original Christmas song is an absolute banger.

[@Blizzardmane]

My wife and I are long distance at the moment and this is Definitely our song. The number of times one of us sings "I believe in a thing called love..." And the other responds with gibberish. It brings us so much joy. Thank you for covering this!!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Long distance is so difficult. I know from a lot of experience performing opera around the world that having a home base partner is extremely difficult. I wish the best of luck to you both!

[@One_Proud_Papa]

@The Charismatic Voice My son is going through this now. He's finishing his M.A in Opera and Literature at Illinois and his wife is a L&D Nurse 7 hours away. Thank God for video chat! Hearing how you guys got through it would be fascinating and helpful for others in the biz.

[@Blizzardmane]

@@TheCharismaticVoice thank you so much. We've been together for years now and have know each other as friends even longer. We make it work but we're hoping to close the gap considerably in the next couple of years!

[@delivix]

HOLY SMOKES! There's a band that famously said "you don't always get what you want, but sometimes you get what you need " . Well, never for a moment did I think this analysis was something that I wanted, but by jingo its what I needed. I grew up in the UK and am of a certain generation where this song was firmly in the zeitgeist. As a fan of the channel, I would never have thought it would get on the radar. For me, this commentary, like the song, was utterly joyous and I'm so thankful. You are special, keep on keeping on.

[@missstorrm]

The reaction we didn't know we needed that badly ❤️ Elizabeth, go see them live when you have a chance. They're fantastic and Justin is the definition of a charismatic frontman :) Also, shoutout to Eddie who was the drummer back then!

[@mattpotter8725]

And the very definition of a charismatic voice!!!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Yes! Kirk made a mistake on the prep work and I see now that it was Eddie drumming. Thank you for the correction!

[@missstorrm]

@CackityCack omg, yesssss 🤣

[@beautifulsky7807]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Justin talks about the reason the space ships are used in all the videos, on his channel 😉

[@emmy1038]

The Darkness was my favorite band when I was a teen. My husband is a bit older and had never heard them. They came to Canada a few years ago and I dragged my husband. He fell in love with the band and now listens to it on his own and always says he will take me again if they ever come back. Love Justin and the band. Great to see them here

[@ElChuntyCabra]

yo u got a onlyfanz tho??

[@synchronicity1470]

aww, emmy, that made me cry. 😭 so damn sweet. ❤

[@jrchanning]

The Darkness are a fantastic band, Justin is the singer and lead guitarist, his brother Dan is the other guitar player (lead and rhythm), Frankie is the bass player and the drummer was Ed Graham, the drummer with the band now is Rufus Taylor and the son of Queen drummer Roger Taylor, this was a terrific reaction, love it !! 😄

[@cookeymonster83]

As a Brit I do love when you can hear our accent in our musicians.

[@moonbeanification]

The Hawkins Brothers and The Darkness are, in my opinion, God's gift to rock & roll ♥♥♥

[@kramnosbor9534]

Dare I say, criminally underrated. The Darkness have so many good songs but are only really known for this (which also deserves all the love it gets)

[@danielwilliams7161]

Ever listen to Wolfmother?

[@KevinSmithBrainstorm]

As a fan and former worker with the band, I think I can say on good authority that the octopus/kraken was actually making sweet love to the space ship. Absolutely LOVED watching you watch The Darkness for the first time. Justin is not only a national treasure, but despite all of his awards and accolades still severely under appreciated for what he can do and has done. The guy is absolutely THE master at everything he does. I implore you to catch them live next time they’re in your country, best live act in the world, bar none. If you’re amazed at what he can do on a recording in a studio, your socks will be blown off at what he does live!

[@suesjoy]

Oh I would love to see him live one day! I regularly watch his channel. Very special guy!!

[@lok14]

I’ve seen every show they have done in Melbourne Australia. Absolutely love The Darkness.

[@clintdurrett4361]

Saw them play several times in New Orleans. Been following The Darkness since the beginning and even when Justin separated and worked on Hot Leg. I just fell in love with Justin’s vocals. one Way Ticket album is my absolute fav. Every song on that is just a banger. And in a live performance, he is the definition of a showman and entertainer. Incredible all around

[@Tristana.Keauna]

Hands down, one of the best music videos to ever be made. The guitars! The vocals! The kraken!

[@brandonjackson5865]

My only complaint is they didn’t have enough Marshall cabs during the guitar solo lol .

[@Miss_Camel]

I think I just saw little hearts in her eyes, she has a heart-on for his voice, look how giddy she is!!! She luurrrvveesss him!

[@davesence6864]

The Whole permission to land album is amazing. The 'F' sound on everything is a common feature of some english accents in the UK, 'f' is used instead of 'Th'.

[@hairychris444]

Yeah, the f/th is a very southern/south-eastern thing, quite a lot of the harder constanants get smothed off or dropped completely. Source: Growing up in "souf ampshire" I can't remember the last time I pronounced the H at the beginning of a word.....

[@richmayes8451]

The guy on the lead guitar is Justin's brother Dan Hawkins. On bass, you have Frankie Poullain and on drums, Ed Graham. The Darkness got their inspiration from Queen, which is a coincidence as their current drummer is Rufus Taylor, son of Queen's Roger Taylor.

[@brianpalay2]

So many good clarifications in this concise comment. It deserves lots of upvotes for more visibility!

[@richmayes8451]

@brianpalay3760 thanks. When the band was formed, Rufus would have been 9 years old. The single was released when he would have been 11. Also, Rufus has played drums alongside his dad with Queen on occasion, and while Roger has come on stage to sing, I'm in Love With My Car, Rufus has played on Roger's drum set.

[@brianpalay2]

@@richmayes8451 I was just thinking how impressive it would have been if Rufus played on this, ha. I got into The Darkness right when this hit came out. I was in college then.

[@armynurseboy]

Yeah, Darkness has that 70s/80s classic rock/glam sound.

[@evilacro]

I'm glad you enjoyed The Darkness! Do give their catalog a listen, as they're much more than just a "joke band" - They're a legitimate, skilled hard rock outfit with songs ranging from tongue-in-cheek to movingly heartfelt. And if you ever have the chance to see them live, jump on it! They're one of the most flat-out fun bands you can see in concert. BTW, Justin and the other guitarist are brothers, so the moment of hair confusion is understandable!

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

Yes indeed they are almost untouchable as a live band! So much fun to see them really turning up the heat onstage.

[@alanflint7732]

Nice comments.

[@cas9065]

They are on tour right now!

[@alanflint7732]

@@cas9065 but I'm stuck on Corfu. No decent bands come to Corfu. It's like the sweaty jockstrap of Greece.

[@cas9065]

@@alanflint7732 Leave a comment on Justin's response to this reaction and ask them to stop by!

[@scottrussell3862]

Always felt that the darkness where the worthy and spiritual successors to queen. Epic singer and epic musicians

[@J0nny61]

Justin's a legend and also a brilliant guitarist as well as a vocalist. Laughed all the way through, I can't believe you've never seen this.

[@jameswright5572]

A band I always thought should have been even bigger than they are. Tons of talent and just a fun rock band.

[@strippingwelsh1]

They kinda disappeared before making the big arenas, and the comeback was kinda limited to jsut the rock scene that already knew them but yes - one of the best bands of past decades.

[@Cadinho93]

This song and video pays homage to Queen who were a huge influence. Basically, their whole discography is amazing like a modern day Queen. Also, Fun Fact: Roger Taylor's son Rufus Tiger Taylor is now playing the drums for The Darkness.

[@michellepetrillo2235]

Another fun fact- Justin Hawkins (lead singer) has the four faces of Queen tattooed on the fingers of his left hand- one face on each- so he has his drummers dads face tattooed on his finger!! 🤣❤️

[@douglashenrysr748]

I see the reference to Queen, but he also that that Steven Tyler dressing going on.

[@andreasschmitt1887]

@@douglashenrysr748 Look at the very early Queen, it looks very same...

[@palmarolavlklingholm9684]

Homage to Queen? Can't see how. Nothing in the video reminds one of Queen,. The music is pretty much as far from Queen's style as possible, and the guys vocals were definitely as far from Freddy's as humanly possible. Don't misunderstand me. He does have a very good voice, and the band is really good. But I don't see how anyone could ever compare them to Queen. It would be like comparing Luciano Pavarotti to Johnny Cash. Both the best in their own types of music.

[@palmarolavlklingholm9684]

@@douglashenrysr748 I can see a little Steven Tyler parody in this, but nothing at all reminds me of Queen.

[@annkelly0072]

Omg I forgot how amazing & fun this song was! I was smiling & laughing & jamming through this entire vid. Thank you for reintroducing this song & underrated band to us.

[@tonu115]

I came to The Charismatic Voice for the joy of her reactions. I stayed for the insane amounts of knowledge and wisdom she shares about vocals! I’m always trying to learn to get better at singing and you have taught more than I thought I would ever get myself to learn! 🙏 ❤️

[@theamaranththeory]

If you like this, you would *love* them live. Justin really is just that incredible, and the entire band is just genuinely one of the most fun acts in the business. I truly don't think I've ever had more fun at a show.

[@goobie_goobs9398]

Thats a real rock. Along with an incredible voice, Justin also has super human strength. There's nothing he can't do.

[@betadecay6503]

Saw The Darkness live in 2018 and can confirm his voice is as good live as it is on record. He still looks good in a catsuit too 😂

[@TauriReacts]

This song was such an integral part of my teen years, it was played EVERYWHERE in the UK. Justin has a fabulous voice and seems like such a sweetheart, enjoy watching his channel too. Hope you guys can get together for some tea and a chat! 🥰💜

[@lamecasuelas2]

2003 was a great year for rock and with quite different sounds.

[@Jept]

It's difficult to comprehend somebody being unfamiliar with the song.... As a 30+ year old in the UK it's like being familiar with....water 🤷🏻‍♂️🤣

[@fallrecords]

The first time I saw the Darkness, Justin came out and did what seemed like a two minute head stand which led into what was one of the best rock concerts I've seen... they were phenomenal. If you can't have fun at a Darkness show, you can't have fun!

[@nickturner1137]

Love this band. Just like everyone is saying, I think he'd be thrilled to talk with you. The Darkness is such an underated band. Loved them since high school, Permission to Land is one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@leerobbo92]

I love that you had as much fun with this as they had with the video. Really brightened my day!

[@PieterKleij]

He's the master of Entertainment. His brother is almost always wearing a Thin Lizzy shirt, which is awesome in itself. Saw them a few times live, always a good time. So good actually that I slept in a bus stop afterwards. Great band, great guy. And this line is already immortal; My heart's in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel.

[@maxxschneider5534]

Yes

[@Haruchai01]

Justin was the 'utility singer' at the Taylor Hawkins Celebration gig in London. Live he was stunning and showed just what a phenomenal range he has. Definitely one of the stars of the whole show.

[@PaniPunia]

The only appropriate use of a flower crown is to use it to defeat the space kraken. Also, I always loved how the drummer just casually smacks the tentacle, like, get out of here, I'm busy. Love this song, forgot about it for a bit, I'm so glad you listened to it and gave me some depth ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@garryhancock3394]

I don't like people talking over videos, then I found your channel dissecting one of my all time favourite tunes. Thank you so much for your insight.

[@tml0609]

Recorded, Justin's voice is super impressive. In person? I cried. Incredible. By far the most perfect vocal I've ever heard.

[@NZappone53]

"Open Fire" is one of the best rock songs of the past decade or so. A criminally underrated Darkness single.

[@peterbaker1879]

Absolutely!

[@chelsead6054]

Yes!!!!!! I actually jumped up and down with joy when I saw that you made this video. Lol My now husband and I were seventeen when this song came out, and both obsessed with it. The video was a hilarious, tongue in cheek, tribute to glam rock. It's great to see when talented bands don't take themselves too seriously. Thank you for the trip down memory lane!

[@patriksvensson2360]

I _love_ how excited and engaged you were watching this! The band, song and video are all great, but your reaction to it all lifts them even higher. Top notch stuff!

[@zappath1108]

For a future Christmas episode you should really do Christmas Time (Don't Let the Bells End) by The Darkness. Absolutely my favorite Christmas song of all time. The music video is also a masterpiece. :D

[@bagginssupercat]

Seconded!! Its an absolute smasher!!!

[@Ghost-in-the-snow]

I came here to say this too. Elizabeth definitely needs to react to this at Christmas!

[@airbo0309]

“Love is only a feeling” is A MUST LISTEN 🤘🏻🔥 My favorite The Darkness song

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

Me tooooo. It gets me every time. So much emotion 🖤

[@mbwahaha]

I dont like it at all, too cheesy. Barbarian live is amazing.

[@stevenlaster3252]

This song is epic, can't wait to see the full video. Keep up all the good work

[@laterreurrouge1917]

you just gotta appreciate The Darkness's full embrace of rock-cheesyness - which is off the charts here. They pull it off in such an adorable and fun way, it's infectious. So entertaining

[@michellepetrillo2235]

Oh this will be good!!! You need to check out the lead singer, Justin Hawkins, on his KZbin channel- Justin Hawkins Rides Again… ❤❤❤🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@BrickNewton]

I was going to say the same thing. Especially his interview with Rick Beato

[@teddrewflack400]

i LOVE the Darkness. Justin never takes himself too serious despite being a legit incredible singer , he always came across as taking the p#$% and i love every minute of it .

[@jasonszabo9203]

I've been to tonnes of live shows and seen heaps of legendary bands, but this song live is the greatest experience I've ever had. I've seen them 4 times they never fail to entertain, and this song gets the whole crowd screaming. The touching you, touching me part, the whole audience joins in, it's magical

[@patrickolson8558]

On my 27th birthday I was fortunate enough to have a coworker who worked for their record label, and he took myself and my friends to FirstAve in MPLS and we got to meet the whole band. My favorite birthday of all time. That was ten years ago - 1/29/2013. The whole band was sick with the flu, but they still played an amazing performance.

[@cameronkoch482]

This video is 23 mins of everything I want in a video. Sublime work.

[@thomasmcd]

In my mind, only based on watching their separate YT channels, Justin Hawkins and Elizabeth would have amazing conversations. Seems like a great option for a Tea Time vid if the stars align to make it possible

[@moonrabbit2774]

A Justin interview would be amazing! The man literally advocated for cooking everything in duck fat at the expense of his long time friendship with a goose greaser!

[@kirkmccune7944]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@rangerrecon]

He just did a 2+ hour KZbin video with Rick Beato.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Well, then we know he can be trusted!

[@hinjurock70]

Huh? Is that some type of metaphor?

[@moonrabbit2774]

@@TheCharismaticVoice my thoughts exactly

[@timruss3555]

Please do more of the Darkness, they are so great and very underappreciated.

[@user-sw7js4jw7v]

1000%

[@portalboy3187]

10000%

[@Matheus_Santos12]

YES

[@absolutely_senna]

15:13 Justin is the lead singer and guitarist, his brother is Dan and he is the rhythm/lead guitarist. 16:58 Rufus is the actual drummer and he is Roger Taylor's son (Roger Taylor is Queen's drummer), in this video the drummer is Ed Graham, unfortunately Ed left the band after the 3rd album due to health problems but Rufus is a strong drummer anyway. - About the song: this song comes from Permission To Land album and the original key is E Major but, to make the song a more powerful single, they decided to raise the key by 1 tone (I think) so what you hear in this video is not Justin's real falsetto even if he keeps the same vocal timbre. If you want to listen the original song in E Major from the album you can search it in KZbin.

[@Psycofunknska]

I love the laugh at 6:40. Unchecked laughter is one of the purest things in the world

[@nikkorocksalot5254]

The immediate sympathy for the Space Kraken is so pure 😂

[@Zen-Mit-Chips]

I think Justin made a very tongue in cheek band purposely , and I'm pretty sure no one disliked them because of that. The music was very much rock, power chords, clean, bright production, which always works. His voice was a surprise, that in later years most have discovered, is quite extraordinary and not often heard. The Music still sounds very fresh and punchy today, always love it when it drops in to my random play's. Really glad you always find a good array of different voices and styles to analyse, that you also clearly enjoy.

[@rumbalala]

Loved every minute of your reaction/analysis Elizabeth, as per usual. You have such an infectious, positive curiosity and expertise - wonderful channel. ❤

[@drsmainemusic]

I adored The Darkness's debut album when I was in high school but never looked any further past that. I've only recently discovered Justin's KZbin channel and remembered how fantastic of a musician he is!

[@doledart]

The timing on this could not be any better!! I just showed my 13 yr old daughter this video. She takes vocal lessons and loves hearing different vocal styles. Now I can show her this and help her understand why it's so great. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@markleon7127]

I have remember when this came out I was a freshman in highschool and was absolutely fascinated with 70s classic rock. I heard this and instantly loved it. The overdriven solos, riffs and singing is so reminiscent of that old rock and roll.

[@T.R.75]

absolutely love your reactions to all the talented people you react to. such joy

[@am55255]

I remember the first time I saw this music video and being confused how such an old video looked so crisp before realizing it was a new band/video. It felt so removed from time. This song still absolutely gets me every single time I hear it.

[@biglew1161]

this is the first time I've seen this video, and as someone whow grew up in the 80's I had to do a double check. I totally got 80's from this right from the beginning.😁

[@apaperbagoftoast2513]

My fiance and I are playing this at our wedding, I'm not lying. It's one of our favorites 💚

[@eyeshalfwayopeneyeshalfway2603]

Would be super cool to play it at your reception with a choreograph dance between your then husband and you where you can really let it all go wild as far as you can take it together -then maybe if you want motion for guests to join the bash 🎉 🥂 to the end!

[@apaperbagoftoast2513]

@@eyeshalfwayopeneyeshalfway2603 yo, that's fuckin rad!!! I'll definitely add this to the plans, when we post our wedding on here you can see my crazy ass dance moves haha! And the Wifey's 💚🥂🎊

[@eyeshalfwayopeneyeshalfway2603]

@@apaperbagoftoast2513 OMG that’s amazing, THANK U for the consideration of doing that … with your then ‘wifey’(opps)! I’ve seen some really cool reception dance vids and really wish I’d thought of it with my husband… oh well, have fun with that and your life together!! 💃 🕺

[@leegill2427]

I saw them live in 2002 as a support act for Glam legends 'Hanoi Rocks', they hadn't released their first album then, so I had no idea who they were. But once seen never forgotten, as soon as Justin started singing, me and my then girlfriend looked at each other with open mouths, it was a WTF moment, damn can that man sing high and he's a proper 'old school' frontman who entertains the crowd. This video shows off their very British sense of humour, it's like something from the Spinal Tap movie. Incase no one has mentioned it, the reason you got confused with Dan the guitarist, is because Dan & Justin are brothers, and do look a lot a like...

[@MrDigglepiggle]

This is a masterpiece. Makes you feel good. High energy. Excellent composition. Excellent vocal. Excellent music. Heard it when it came out and love it as much now as i did then.